Beaches close as shark attacks surfer near Byron Bay on NSW north coast

Shark Attack Season: Should Australia be shark culling?1:05

Shark culling has revived a national debate over shark attack season in Australia and how best to reduce the risk of encounters between sharks and the growing number of people using the ocean for leisure.

September 24th 2018

6 months ago

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A still image showing a great white shark captured from drone footage taken between Evans Head and Byron Bay in the northern coast of NSW.Source:News Corp Australia

The flatmate of a man who survived a shark attack after being bitten on the leg on the NSW far-north coast has described the frenzied scene as the incident occured.

Sam Edwardes, 41, was surfing near Belongil Beach, north of Byron Bay, about 6.40am on Sunday when he was bitten on the leg.

.NSWDPI is investigating a reported shark bite at Belongil Beach, Byron Bay this morning. 41 year old male surfer reportedly bitten on upper left thigh. NSWDPI shark biologists working with @NSWPolice and @SLSNSW#sharksmart

According to The Northern Star, four ambulance crews rushed to the man for treatment before being transported by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter service.

Belongil Beach and Main Beach have been closed for 24-hours.

It is not confirmed what species of shark attacked the man.

Beaches in Byron Bay are closed after a 41-year-old man was attacked by a shark at Belongil this morning. The Suffolk Park local returned to shore on his board and alerted other surfers. He sustained serious injuries to his upper thigh. @nbnnewspic.twitter.com/EPY0AiMXFM